Artist shares his work, skill

Harry Gray Jr. loves to paint and he loves to teach painting. His students are surprised by how fast they learn, he said.

"I've had people come to me and say, 'I can't draw a stickman,' " the Clermont resident said. "Then they take the class. One guy didn't even want to leave his painting to dry, he was so excited to take it home."

On Thursday, Gray will show how he does it during a demonstration at the Fruitland Park Library. He will donate the painting to the library. People are invited to bring their own canvases and paint with him. The demonstration runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, 205 W. Berckman St.

Five years ago, when his three daughters were grown, he was able to retire as a trim carpenter and return to his first love -- painting.

He keeps a studio at his home and paints full time. His subjects often include scenes with palm trees, water and a dramatic sky.

"I'm all about Florida," he said. "I believe in bright colors, happy stuff."

Gray and his paintings, meant to inspire and to make people feel good, will be featured at this year's Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs from March to May.

When he paints, he begins with the sky and develops the painting from there. The sky is often a vivid sunset.

"It's only 15 minutes a day, but most people don't pay attention to the sunset," he said.

Born in Miami, Gray remembers fishing in the swamp as a boy.

"When the water turned golden, I thought, 'You better get home before it gets dark,' " he said.

From these beginnings come what Gray calls "memory paintings." He paints only from the places and conditions he has experienced.

His $30 classes at South Lake Art League begin when he shows the students three of his paintings. They vote which one they want to learn from.

They must bring their own brush, while Gray supplies paint and canvas, if needed.

"After the first class, I show them my brush," he said. "I put my brush in their hand to show them how much better a good brush works."

After teaching them the use of a fan brush and a liner brush, he moves on through perspective to rendering clouds and water.

Some of his students choose to improve their skills while others are just happy to be there.